Baldwin Park Unified returning Board of Education members Christina Lucero and Santos Hernandez Jr., and newly elected member Diana E. Miranda-Dzib took their oaths of office during the Board’s organizational meeting on Dec. 15. Miranda-Dzib was sworn in by State Sen. Susan Rubio, Hernandez was sworn in by City of Baldwin Park Councilmember Alejandra Avila and Lucero was sworn in by City of Baldwin Park Councilmember Danny Damian. Assemblymember Blanca Rubio also joined the virtual board meeting.
Baldwin Park Unified High School Senior Named Coca-Cola Semifinalist
Baldwin Park High School senior Kohle Jackson was named one of 1,609 semifinalists for the 2021 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship, out of more than 99,000 applicants from across the country. Jackson is advancing to the next round, in which 250 seniors will be named regional finalists. 150 students will ultimately be named Coca-Cola scholars and win a $20,000 college scholarship.
Baldwin Park Unified Students Grow Music Skills during Distance Learning
More than 400 students in Baldwin Park Unified’s violin and orchestra programs are honing their musical skills and practicing compositions thanks to the dedication of District orchestra teachers Jacob Boyd, Joshua Chan, Paul Grant and Justin Wong. Through a collaborative effort, BPUSD’s music department will create a virtual performance to celebrate the winter holidays, featuring elementary, middle and high school students
Geddes and Margaret Heath elementary school students are building on their English language skills through an academic curriculum that infuses dance, visual arts, music and theater – made possible through a partnership between Teaching English Learners through the Arts and the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Now in its third year at BPUSD, the five-year pilot program aims to create an effective and equitable arts-based education that can be used as a template for schools across the country.
Baldwin Park Unified Announces Extension of Distance Learning
Baldwin Park Unified School District announced that distance learning will continue for K-12 students after winter break. Following guidance from state and county health officials, BPUSD will remain in remote learning until further notice. District officials released a parent survey on Nov. 12 to gauge whether or not families are open to a hybrid model of learning for the spring semester, should health data make it safe to do so.
Baldwin Park Unified voters on Nov. 4 re-elected Board of Education President Christina Lucero and board member Santos Hernandez Jr., as well as returning 2017-18 board member Diana E. Dzib. New and returning board members will be sworn in during a virtual board meeting in December.
Baldwin Park Unified to Host Kindness Advocate for Parent Presentation
Baldwin Park Unified is inviting District parents to virtually attend a special presentation featuring author and kindness advocate Houston Kraft at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.28. Co-founder of Character Strong, Kraft will share his trainings that help teach social and emotional skills. For more information, contact Director of Student Achievement Dr. Richard Noblett or Karisa Cuenca at the District Office at 626-962-3311.
Baldwin Park Unified Music Teachers Guide Students with 1-on-1 Lessons
Baldwin Park Unified's music teachers from middle school to high school are putting in countless hours to support students, with virtual one-on-one lessons, class check-ins and increased support services. Sierra Vista High School's choral music director and piano studies instructor Suzanne Brookey and piano tutor Kevin Phan helped students hone their skills during distance learning, preparing them for a virtual piano recital.
Baldwin Park Unified Dual Language Program to Create Community Altar
Sierra Vista High School’s Dual Language Program is commemorating community members and loved ones who passed due to COVID-19 by creating a Día de los Muertos altar in their memory. The school reached out to the BPUSD community through online channels to collect submissions. District and school community members were asked to submit a photograph, a brief description and a few objects that best represent the individual. The altar will be in front of the school through Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Wendy Payan, a Sierra Vista High School history teacher for 16 years, enriches her students’ lives academically and personally – an achievement that has earned her the title of 2020 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Payan was recognized as one of 10 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year during a virtual celebration on Oct. 1, paying tribute to educators who transcended challenges during the pandemic and distance learning.
